. >>> and happy birthday to our own reverend al sharpton. the msnbc "politics nation" host turns 58. >>> all day long you can stay on top of the very latest developments in those stories and more as they break on msnbc. and tonight be sure to watch brian williams with "nbc nightly news." >>> and, finally, here's a look at what's coming up later this morning on the "today" show. rick santorum and president obama's deputy campaign manager preview what to expect at tonight's presidential debate. >>> and in a "today" exclusive, hear a story of survival from two friends who were left stranded after their plane crashed in the gulf of mexico. >>> and now keep it on this channel for continuing local news, weather, sports, and more. i'm lynn berry. thanks for watching "early today," just your first stop of the day, today on your nbc station. have a good one. -- captions by vitac -- www.vitac.com